Crime
Court says prior decision ignored law
Monday 28 June 2010 | Published in Crime
The court of appeal recently overturned a September decision issued by Chief Justice-elect Tom Weston. In September 2009, Weston found Travis Moore guilty of contempt for continuing to mine sand from a contentious piece of Ngatangiia property after the court issued an injunction restricting him from doing so. Taakoka Villas, which currently holds the lease […]
'Apologise to the guy in the mirror'
Friday 25 June 2010 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Court, Crime, National
Justice of the peace John Kenning presided over a number of cases in the high court yesterday, a number of which were adjourned as defence lawyer Norman George was off the island.
Chilwell appeal allowed 'in part'
Tuesday 22 June 2010 | Published in Crime
The court of appeal last week allowed Caryn Chilwell’s appeal “in part” and adjusted the damages she owes Robert Ioaba for an August 2007 motor vehicle accident. At a hearing in November of last year, Justice Christine Grice ruled that Chilwell owed Ioaba $30,000 in general damages, $27,422.54 in special damages and $26,016.95 in costs […]
Williams knighted in Queen's honours
Thursday 17 June 2010 | Published in Crime
A judge, who was last year appointed to the Cook Islands’ High Court, was knighted in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours List in New Zealand. On June 7, Justice Hugh Williams was made an Additional Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the honours. Sir John “Hugh” Williams, KNZM, QC is the […]
Chilwell seeks cost reduction
Thursday 17 June 2010 | Published in Crime
Following a motor vehicle crash three years ago, the court ordered Caryn Chilwell to compensate the injured party to the tune of nearly $50,000. This week, Chilwell was back in court disputing costs and damages awarded before three judges of the court of appeal. Counsel Rebecca Edwards flew to Rarotonga to represent Chilwell, the appellant, […]
Justice wants more secure vehicle
Thursday 17 June 2010 | Published in Crime
Following an inmate’s escape from a warden-driven vehicle in February, the ministry of justice is working to tighten security measures around the transport of prisoners. Secretary of Justice Mark Short said that the ministry cannot afford to purchase a properly secured vehicle, as they cost around US$80,000. The ministry is waiting for the minister of […]
Theft, assault, sex charges dealt with
Friday 11 June 2010 | Published in Crime
Justice of the peace Bernice Manarangi presided over a number of cases in the high court yesterday: Vaevaeongo Tangiiti – appeared for a theft charge, which counsel Norman George applied to strike out as it involves a land dispute issue. Counsel Charles Little, who appeared for the informant, agreed to file the application to strike […]
Police stick to 'no-drop' policy
Friday 4 June 2010 | Published in Crime
Justice of the peace Tiki Matapo presided over a number of cases in the high court yesterday: Taura Pukea – pleaded not guilty to a charge of threatening to injure or do grievous bodily harm. Legal counsel Norman George said that the charge was a ‘wild allegation’ and ‘totally unjustified’ and alleged that police had […]
Injunction dismissed by court
Tuesday 1 June 2010 | Published in Crime
Chief Justice Tom Weston’s judgement on the Democratic Party injunction dismissed the application and upheld the right of the conference organisers to call the conference. “It seems undesirable that the affairs of a political party should be resolved by the court without allowing the members to speak. At the end of the day, the party […]
Dragonflies take it to Red Divas
Monday 31 May 2010 | Published in Crime
As expected – the premier netball game between the Takuvaine Red Divas and Avatiu Dragonflies was hotly contested. But a rejuvenated Avatiu side came out to play hard ball and within the first few minutes of the game, the Dragonflies were up 5 points to nil. But the team experienced some speed wobbles allowing Takuvaine […]
Court report correction
Saturday 29 May 2010 | Published in Crime
Yesterday’s Cook Islands News court report said that Vaevaeongo Tangiiti did not appear in court on Thursday on a charge of theft. The defendant was in fact present in the courtroom – it was legal counsel Norman George who was not present. We apologise for the error. The defendant says he has entered a plea […]
'Warrior mentality' condemned
Monday 17 May 2010 | Published in Crime
Chief Justice David Williams wrapped up a few cases on Friday in his last sitting at the criminal court of the Cook Islands: Japhet Manuel appeared for call-overs on possession of cannabis and utensils and an unlawfully found charge. Counsel Norman George told the court that the defendant’s “total cooperation” with all police instructions and […]
Parade honours departing chief justice
Saturday 15 May 2010 | Published in Crime
Police yesterday paid tribute to David Williams who is bowing out as Chief Justice and handing the title and responsibility to Tom Weston. Police raised the national flag and sat for a number of speeches recognising the work Williams has done over the years in the Cook Islands high court. Police commissioner Maara Tetava said […]
Lingering cases set for trials
Friday 14 May 2010 | Published in Crime
Chief Justice David Williams presided over a number of cases in the high court yesterday Tevita Vakalalabure – call-overs on charges of assault with intent, threatening to kill, endangering transport and excess breath alcohol. Saunders asked that the case go to trial in the second week of July, but defence counsel Norman George advised the […]
Court orders landowner to pay indemnity costs
Friday 14 May 2010 | Published in Crime
An application filed by Taakoka Island Villas Limited (TIVL) for indemnity costs was approved this week. Chief Justice David Williams issued a judgment in the long-running dispute between TIVL and landowner Ruta Tupangaia regarding Aremango section 7A1A2 in Ngatangiia. Williams ruled that indemnity costs be awarded to TIVL on the grounds that Tupangaia’s conduct during […]
Cook's sentence result of tightened legislation
Wednesday 12 May 2010 | Published in Crime
Justice Colin Nicholson’s decision to sentence 18-year-old Danny Cook to two years in prison recently, reflects the tightening of legislation following the Loomes case of 2006. Owen Matunga Tainga Loomes was sentenced to one year in prison when he was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of Niki Smith in 2003. He also received […]
Jury still out on assault charge
Wednesday 12 May 2010 | Published in Crime
The first jury trial of the year was due to wrap up yesterday but the jury had not returned a verdict by the time this newspaper went to print last night. The 12 jurors were expected to be pardoned, after two days in court, after delivering their verdict but as the CI News went to […]
Government announces Weston appointment
Wednesday 12 May 2010 | Published in Crime
The appointment of Justice Tom Weston as the new Chief Justice of the Cook Islands High Court was officially announced by government yesterday. Justice Weston was nominated for the position by current Chief Justice David Williams, following a long-standing tradition of recommending a successor. Prime minister Jim Marurai and attorney general Wilkie Rasmussen issued a […]
Dragonflies swoop to first win
Monday 10 May 2010 | Published in Crime
The Avatiu Dragonflies’ premier netball squad had their first taste of victory this season after a nail biting 43-42 win against their tenacious Takuvaine opponents. But it was Takuvaine that looked on-the-ball in the first quarter when they held Avatiu 10 goals to 7. In that first quarter, Takuvaine let Avatiu run free at mid-court […]
Arnold dubbed 'maestro' of the courtroom
Saturday 1 May 2010 | Published in Crime
Lawyer labelled by Norman George the ‘maestro’ of the legal profession Local lawyer Tim Arnold has been touted as the ‘maestro of the Cook Islands legal profession’ by his client, politician and lawyer, Norman George following his successful defence of him in the long-running Slush trial. Yesterday, Justice Colin Nicholson handed down the verdict in […]